Tullamore cows get used to new home in Kosovo

Three Tullamore heifers are getting used to new surroundings today, after landing in Kosovo on Wednesday as part of a Tullamore Lions Club and Moate and District Bothár Group project to help families in need. The latest three heifers to be sent out from Tullamore bring to 17 the total sent as part of the good cause since 2009 by the local Lions Club. One British Friesian heifer was donated to the cause by Lions Club member Christy Maye, while the other two were bought from a local farmer by the club and reared by project co-ordinator Pat Nevin. All three cows are due to calve early next year, and those calves given to other needy families. Speaking to the Offaly Independent on Wednesday Mr Nevin said the animals were assembled in Roscrea at an export point before being transported by lorry to Shannon airport for a 5.30am departure. Seventy animals in total left Ireland on Wednesday for Kosovo, and the same plane will bring another 70 animals to Albania as part of the same project today (Friday). President of the Tullamore Lions Club Paul Bell said this week the club was delighted to be associated with the "very worthwhile project". "The benefits that this living gift of a farm animal can bring to a family in Kosovo will be life changing and it goes beyond the recipient family in that the first female calf born to the cow that we send out will pass on to another family in need," he said. Mr Bell thanked John McNicholl for his veterinary services as part of this project, as well as heifer sponsor Christy Maye and project co-ordinators Pat Minnock and Pat Nevin. Anyone who would like to be associated with this project in the future or donate a heifer to it should get in touch with Pat Nevin on 087 9087504 or Pat Minnock on 087 6333010.